Financial Aid Policy
(revised December 2016)
If you're familiar with our financial aid policy and are ready to apply, click on the FAST logo at the bottom of this page.
Philosophy/Guiding Principles
Tidewater is committed to providing children with high quality, individualized instruction in a nurturing environment. A small percentage of the operating budget and annual fund from year to year is dedicated to tuition assistance for families who qualify. The total amount of financial aid available directly depends on enrollment and budgetary factors.
Application Process
In order to be considered for need-based financial aid, an online application must be completed. Tidewater is registered with FAST, an on-line tool created by ISM (Independent School Management), which offers independent schools a third party evaluation of financial need based on parameters specific to our school. Click the FAST logo at the bottom of the page to start the application process.
In addition to the FAST evaluation, Tidewater uses criteria specific to the school to evaluate applications for financial aid. These criteria are listed below for your consideration prior to your application.
Tidewater's Board of Directors, in consultation with the Head of School, reviews and approves financial aid recommendations every March and as needed during the school year. Once a decision has been reached, applicants will receive an award letter with a requirement to respond within two weeks. All awards are subject to a signed non-disclosure agreement. In addition, any family who receives aid will be required to perform volunteer duties at the school during the year for which aid is awarded. Financial Aid is offered on an annual basis only, and no guarantee can be made as to the continuation of financial aid from year to year.
Methods of financial assistance include:
Click on the FAST logo below to start the application process.
If you're familiar with our financial aid policy and are ready to apply, click on the FAST logo at the bottom of this page.
Philosophy/Guiding Principles
Tidewater is committed to providing children with high quality, individualized instruction in a nurturing environment. A small percentage of the operating budget and annual fund from year to year is dedicated to tuition assistance for families who qualify. The total amount of financial aid available directly depends on enrollment and budgetary factors.
Application Process
In order to be considered for need-based financial aid, an online application must be completed. Tidewater is registered with FAST, an on-line tool created by ISM (Independent School Management), which offers independent schools a third party evaluation of financial need based on parameters specific to our school. Click the FAST logo at the bottom of the page to start the application process.
In addition to the FAST evaluation, Tidewater uses criteria specific to the school to evaluate applications for financial aid. These criteria are listed below for your consideration prior to your application.
- Number of years in the community
- Commitment to the program (long term vs. short term)
- Volunteer efforts on behalf of the School
- Participation in parent education opportunities and school events
- Participation in Tidewater fundraising efforts (Circle of Friends, fundraising events, Scrip program, Small Hands fundraiser)
- Change in financial circumstance
Tidewater's Board of Directors, in consultation with the Head of School, reviews and approves financial aid recommendations every March and as needed during the school year. Once a decision has been reached, applicants will receive an award letter with a requirement to respond within two weeks. All awards are subject to a signed non-disclosure agreement. In addition, any family who receives aid will be required to perform volunteer duties at the school during the year for which aid is awarded. Financial Aid is offered on an annual basis only, and no guarantee can be made as to the continuation of financial aid from year to year.
Methods of financial assistance include:
- A reduction in tuition
- A full or partial Extended Care waiver
Click on the FAST logo below to start the application process.